A group of young people from the South Eastern Trust area with cared for experience, recently pulled on their hiking boots and backpacks as the hearty souls completed an overnight expedition in the Mourne Mountains as they continue to make excellent progress towards their Bronze DofE Awards.
The South Eastern Trust was the first Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland to join the renowned Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The partnership, which is now into its third year, aims to help young people living in residential care to participate in the prestigious initiative.
South Eastern Trust’s Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award Manager, Mandy Morrison, explained how the ReSET (Residential Support and Engagement Team) and Belfast Activity Centre partnered, for a second year, to support the young people in achieving this section of the Award.
Mandy shared how the young people learned to, “Work as a group, completing practice walks, orienteering and camp craft skills before the final event which was two days of hiking and an overnight camp out.”
Mandy continued, “A staff member from one of our Children’s Homes reflected on the improved confidence of one young man who took part – despite the sore feet from all the walking!”
“We are immensely proud of all the young people who have made steps towards their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award this summer and to our wonderful team member, Trust Engagement Worker, Adrianna Koper, who captured such wonderful, memorable photographs of the walks.”